7/27/2014 7:49 am Ochoco Complex Fire Update

Ochoco Complex Fire Update

July 27, 2014

Fire Information:  541-416-0286; 541-447-6859

OchocoComplex@gmail.com

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3972/

Start Date	Cause	Size	Percent Containment	Helicopters	Engines	Crews	Dozers	Total Personnel
July 13, 2014	Lightning	10,004	79	5	10	14	4	511

Summary: Lightning swept across the area July 13 starting many fires across the Forest and neighboring BLM land.  Four of these fires are now being managed as the Ochoco Complex. Great Basin Management Team 6, under the direction of Incident Commander Tracy Dunford assumed command of the fire at 6 pm, July 19, 2014. 

·         Antelope Springs, Broadway, and Lava Fires are 100 percent contained.

·          Fox Fire: Located approximately 3 miles northwest of the North Fork Wilderness Study Area, near Forest Road 4230 and 17 miles east of Post, Oregon -  9,848 acres, 70% contained;

Current Situation:  Yesterday a fire line was completed on the west flank of the Fox fire, but isolated pockets of burning fuel remain in the interior.  Crews will be mopping up these fuels today.  On the north flank crews worked on heavy burning fuel with potential for spotting in Hail Canyon, and will continue mopping up operations. On the east flank crews, engines, and helicopters continue to extinguish flaming interior fuels. On the southeast corner, one smoldering snag remained, which needs attention and will be addressed by helitack crews today. Helicopters made water drops as needed yesterday, and will resume today.

The warming and drying trend is increasing the likelihood of fire spread.  Fire resources will be vigilant for potential spotting, and will mop up all visible smokes within 100 feet of the fire perimeter. Hand line rehabilitation is underway in selected locations.  As containment grows, excess resources are being released.

Closures:  The closure order remains in effect, but the closed area has been reduced (for the full closure order and map, visit Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3972/);  and all open fires are now prohibited on the Prineville District of  BLM, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, and the Crooked River National Grasslands, except in designated campgrounds.  See http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/centraloregon/home/?cid_=fsbdev3_035880.

Highway 26 east of Prineville is open to the public, with a reduced speed limit, headlights on, and no stopping in burned areas.